The process of root canal therapy from your dentist in Waterford
Root canal therapy is a vital part of our practice, and key to restoring optimal oral health in certain situations. Due to the "bad press" that this necessary procedure has received over the years, many people will actually avoid receiving treatment when needed. Doing so only worsens oral health and leads to greater pain and complications. Should you be told that you need a root canal from your dentist in Waterford, there is no need for alarm, but every reason to act quickly to treat the affected tooth.
Root canal therapy is typically needed when a tooth has been extensively damaged from decay or a traumatic injury. Most often decay leads to the infection. At the core of every tooth is the canal in which the root sits. Pulp also lives in this part of the tooth. When the decay reaches a certain point, the pulp becomes infected. While infection may be treated with antibiotics, this approach does not fully eliminate the problem, which is why root canal therapy from your dentist in Waterford is necessary.
When we perform this restorative procedure, all infection is removed and the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. To begin the procedure, which is no more uncomfortable than a dental filling, your dentist will administer local anesthetic. A rubber dam is then put into place, which keeps the treatment area dry throughout the procedure. All damage is removed from the tooth surface, and a hole is created so the root canal can be easily reached. Using specialized tools, your dentist then gently and precisely removes all affected tissues from the root canal and cleans the area before sealing it so that no bacteria may enter.
After addressing the infected tissue and sealing the root canal, your dentist will take an impression of the treated tooth, which is sent to the dental lab for the production of a permanent crown. A temporary crown is cemented into place to wear in the interim.
Ideally, our patients would be able to avoid the need for root canal therapy through regular dental visits and preventative care. In cases when a root canal needs to be treated, however, knowing what to expect makes for a far less stressful event.
To schedule your next dental check-up and cleaning, contact us today.
Root canal therapy is typically needed when a tooth has been extensively damaged from decay or a traumatic injury. Most often decay leads to the infection. At the core of every tooth is the canal in which the root sits. Pulp also lives in this part of the tooth. When the decay reaches a certain point, the pulp becomes infected. While infection may be treated with antibiotics, this approach does not fully eliminate the problem, which is why root canal therapy from your dentist in Waterford is necessary.
When we perform this restorative procedure, all infection is removed and the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. To begin the procedure, which is no more uncomfortable than a dental filling, your dentist will administer local anesthetic. A rubber dam is then put into place, which keeps the treatment area dry throughout the procedure. All damage is removed from the tooth surface, and a hole is created so the root canal can be easily reached. Using specialized tools, your dentist then gently and precisely removes all affected tissues from the root canal and cleans the area before sealing it so that no bacteria may enter.
After addressing the infected tissue and sealing the root canal, your dentist will take an impression of the treated tooth, which is sent to the dental lab for the production of a permanent crown. A temporary crown is cemented into place to wear in the interim.
Ideally, our patients would be able to avoid the need for root canal therapy through regular dental visits and preventative care. In cases when a root canal needs to be treated, however, knowing what to expect makes for a far less stressful event.
To schedule your next dental check-up and cleaning, contact us today.